By Jovan Krstevski
Oris dedicates this watch to US Navy’s first African American Master Diver, Carl Brashear, who was also an amputee. If by chance you don’t know the man, his life was remembered in the movie “Men of Honor” starring Cuba Gooding Jr. The watch is based on the iconic Divers Sixty-Five model and is cast in bronze due to the material’s significance to the man being honored by the said watch.
Bronze is the chosen material as it represents the early diving equipment that Brashear used. We simply love it because it is not only handsome but it simply defies time itself when it comes to any day wear watch.
In horology, bronze is often used on classical watches particularly for its natural warmth that brings true depth that is otherwise very hard to produce using modern metals. Pretty much, bronze is an appealing material for any watch and as it ages, it becomes even more appealing. Its gradually aged patina never goes out of fashion, in fact it bespoke to its wearer over time. This is perfect for the theme that the Oris Carl Brashear Chronograph Limited Edition watch tries to reflect.
The Oris Carl Brashear Chronograph Limited Edition is also water resistant to 10 bar (100 metres / 330 feet). Powering it is the Oris Calibre 771 which is a special movement with a two-counter chronograph. It cranks enough juice that will last for about 48 hours. The movement is a new addition to the Oris collection since it bases on the trusted Sellita’s SW 510.
Moving forward, the dial features a symmetrical layout which is known as “bicompax.” This layout appears well balanced and gives it an immediate classic chronograph look. We can also notice the absence of a date indicator which is common among chronograph watches. The 30 minute counter is at the 3 o’clock sub-dial while the small seconds is at 9 o’clock. The dial is curved and its dark blue color appeases those with strong disposition to the seas. Nevertheless, it goes perfectly with the bronze case or simply said, a classic diver’s watch. We also see applied rose gold-plated indices that is filled with Super-LumiNova for better legibility in all lighting conditions.
The 43 mm case is constructed using bronze material. The finishing is smooth but it does not appear too shiny thus delivering a gentleman presence. The same bronze material is also used for the uni-directional rotating bezel.
The crown and pushers are also made of bronze with the exception of the stainless steel screwed case back featuring an embossed traditional diver’s helmet and Carl Brashear’s famous mantra: ‘It’s not a sin to get knocked down, it’s a sin to stay down.’
Finally, the Oris Carl Brashear Chronograph Limited Edition wears on a handsome vintage brown leather strap with a bronze pin buckle. The watch is also delivered in a wooden box with extra stainless steel pin buckle and with Carl Brashear Foundation commemorative coin inside. For more info, visit Oris online.
